Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) has announced the results from its 2010 Freedom Week promotion – an annual campaign that the restaurant brand promotes each July celebrating our nation’s independence, while supporting members of the United States military. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®’s Freedom Week 2010 began Friday, July 2nd, 2010 and lasted until Friday, July 9th, 2010.

So just how successful was this year’s Freedom Week campaign? The following is a look at this year’s campaign results:
Tweet for Troops
If you ask users of Twitter, the popular micro-blogging service, the 2010 Freedom Week campaign was a social media success. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (@SCNBNC) measured 2,156 tweets and RTs (retweets) mentioning the trending topic of #FreedomWeek during the seven day campaign – netting a $215.60 donation to the Fort Bragg Soldiers and Family Assistance Center from the North Carolina restaurant brand.

Commemorative T-Shirts
Fundraiser t-shirts, were promoted at all Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q locations for $14.95, a portion of which benefitted the Fort Bragg Soldiers and Family Assistance Center. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® is proud to announce that $1,058.87 will be donated to the Warrior Transition Battalion and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center on behalf of this part of the 2010 Freedom Week campaign. Shirts can still be purchased online at http://scnbnc.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3 (and in select locations) for anyone who missed the opportunity earlier this summer. Martha Brown, of the Fort Bragg Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, notes that the nearly $1300 contribution from Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® will go a long way in supporting the Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, its morale programming, and other resources benefiting North Carolina soldiers.

2010 Freedom Run
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® was proud to be a part of the inaugural 5k Freedom Run, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary in Wake Forest, as a presenting sponsor. The run was held on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010, with proceeds supporting veterans past and present along with active military personnel. Anne Deal, race coordinator, reports that the run contributed nearly $3,000 for their cause and welcomed 182 race-day participants to Historic Downtown Wake Forest. “The Wounded Warrior Project at Ft. Bragg, The Fisher House at Ft. Bragg, and The Raleigh Vet Center will be receiving donations as a result of this event,” added Deal. “All three organizations assist current or retired military and their families and will be able to put these funds immediately to work. We are looking forward to planning our second run for next year!” Pictures from the event can be viewed on Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®’s flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/scnbnc/sets/72157624421074184/.

Military Rideshare
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® also engaged their power of their fan base by spreading the word amongst fans of the popular NC bar-b-q brand about MilitaryRideShare.com. MilitaryRideShare.com is a free website that has been designed by a former Marine to provide a place for Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Soldiers to connect online for coordinating shared rides and travel. The program aims to save those making similar trips money on transportation costs. “I can’t express how appreciative I am that Smithfield’s invited us to be a part of this campaign. North Carolina, as a state, has the second highest number of military bases in the country, so this was a great opportunity for us to create exposure for our mission and we certainly have enjoyed seeing an increase in website traffic”, notes Jennifer McGillis, founder of MilitaryRideShare.com.

“Even as the economy has experienced some significant downturns and a slow recover over the past few years, our customers have always supported our goal of remaining ‘grateful to serve those who serve’”, says Richard Averitte, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®’s Marketing Director. “Every day we tell folks we have the best customers in the world – and their continued support year after year of our Freedom Week campaign further proves that to be true.”

For more information on the 5k Freedom Run, contact Anne Deal, race coordinator for the American Legion Auxiliary at littledeal@earthlink.net. For more information on the Fort Bragg Soldiers and Family Assistance Center, please contact Martha Brown at 910-643-6652. For more information on MilitaryRideShare.com, please visit http://www.MilitaryRideShare.com/.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) has published a white paper to the restaurant brand’s website, sharing the “secret ingredients in recipe for online sales success”. The white paper features examples of how the restaurant brand’s recipe for success has been successfully implemented as the foundation for the brand’s growing online presence.

“Many brands, from restaurant to retail, are exploring different avenues for expanding their core business into the online world,” says Richard Averitte, Marketing Director for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “Having tried and tested these best practices ourselves, we are happy to be able to share our experience as a way to get others thinking about how they can apply these ideas to their own brands.”

The easy-read white paper highlights four key areas that Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has focused on in building their online model for sales success. It can be downloaded in PDF format on the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q blog at http://scnbnc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/White-Paper-The-Secret-Ingredients-in-the-Recipe-for-Online-Sales-Success.pdf.

For more examples of the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q online business model in action, please visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/, http://www.WeShipBarBQ.com/, and http://www.Summerof20Tea.com/.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) has announced its intentions to award new franchise agreements to qualified applicants who possess an appreciation for the restaurant brand’s culture, a taste for the established North Carolina bar-b-q flavor, and genuine gratitude for the opportunity to serve the brand’s ever-growing customer base.

With over 30 existing locations in North Carolina, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® plans to expand its market share by selling franchises in North Carolina , as well as, outside of the state under the brand name SCNB CHICKEN ‘N BAR-B-Q®. While the name may appear slightly different; the culture, food, atmosphere, and philosophies will remain the same.

“We are excited about the potential growth in and beyond the North Carolina borders,” says Walter Voight, Director of Franchising for the restaurant brand, “A crucial step in this growth is finding qualified applicants who share our entrepreneurial spirit,” he added.

Margaret Moore, the brand’s assistant director of Franchising noted, “This is an exciting time for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®, SCNB Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®, and our customers. Not a week goes by that we don’t hear from our fans, outside of our currently supported markets, on facebook, twitter, and other channels about bringing our restaurants closer to them! We are looking forward to serving customers in these new areas!”

Transparently disclosed on the informational website at http://www.SCNBNC.com/franchise/index.php, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® will require that any potential franchisee possess relevant business or restaurant experience and that the daily operator of the restaurant must maintain at least a ten percent ownership in the business. Franchisees must also have a strong commitment to customer service, quality, cleanliness, and community involvement.

Additionally disclosed on the website are other qualifying areas of franchise establishment, including financial estimates (specifically, initial investments, franchise fees, royalties, and marketing contributions), trade area, and frequently asked questions regarding assistance and operational training.

To inquire for more information regarding Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® and SCNB Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® franchising, please email FranchiseInfo@SCNBNC.com, contact the restaurant brand toll-free by phone at 1-877-372-SCNB, or visit the informational website online at http://www.SCNBNC.com/franchise/index.php.

For more information on the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® brand, please visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/, http://www.WeShipBarBQ.com/, and http://www.Summerof20Tea.com/.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) officially kicked off the “Summer of 20Tea” this weekend, celebrating all things summer and sweet tea with a three-month campaign promoting the restaurant brand’s $1.99 gallons of fresh brewed sweet tea.

The campaign, being promoted from Memorial Day Weekend (starting Friday, May 28th, 2010) until Labor Day weekend (ending Monday, September 6th, 2010), encourages fans of the brand to get out and enjoy the summer, while enjoying the time savings and value offered by picking up ready-to-go gallons of sweet tea at their local Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® location. With 33 locations serving the North Carolina area, Smithfield’s $1.99 gallons of sweet tea are a convenient choice for summer fun goers heading to the beach, the lake, tailgates, concerts, backyard cookouts, and other summer fun activities.

The campaign is being supported by the restaurant’s facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/SCNBNC), twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/SCNBNC), YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/SCNBNC), and blog (http://www.SCNBNC.com/blog) with short, entertaining videos, contests, and social engagement, as well as coupons and other discounts offered via the restaurant’s opt-in email (http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001bAhAGGXw8y9lNBcqFvnOdtNqok4sDde7) and text messaging programs.

Fans of Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q can share their Summer of 20Tea experiences on twitter using the “hashtag” (http://help.twitter.com/entries/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols) #Summerof2010 and can also share pictures of themselves, their friends, and families enjoying the Summer of 20Tea by emailing pictures to Comments@SCNBNC.com.

Many summer fun goers kicked off the Summer of 20Tea this past weekend and were caught on camera enjoying Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q $1.99 gallons of sweet tea on the go!

Joey picks up a gallon of sweet tea on the way to the beach.

Adrianne picks up a gallon of sweet tea and cup of ice for iced tea on the go.

$1.99 gallons of sweet tea are even ready for drive-thru customers, like Nick.

Emily proves it’s just not a tailgate without the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q and sweet tea!

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is honored to have been named as a Triangle East Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards favorite in the deliciously competitive category of “Best Barbecue”.

Diners in the areas that are located in the eastern part of the Triangle – including Garner, Clayton, and parts of Raleigh – have no shortage of bar-b-q offerings and eagerly cast their votes for local favorites as part of the magazine’s first ever reader-nominated and reader-voted awards. Nancy Pardue, editor of Triangle East Magazine, noted that over 1,000 votes were cast online at the magazine’s website during the late-2009 voting period.

“Our first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards are a great collaboration between enthusiastic readers across our Triangle East communities and our local businesses,” said Pardue. “What an honor for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q – and for all our winners – to see their hard work acknowledged and appreciated by the votes of loyal customers.”

“Our ‘Triangle East’ customers have proved that bar-b-q is spelled S-C-N-B”, says Richard Averitte, marketing director for the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, “and we are honored to have such a proud customer-base willing to cast those votes.”

The current issue of Triangle East Magazine features photos and more in-depth descriptions of all of the local businesses who were lucky enough to be nominated and voted as reader favorites. Fans can also check out the content on Triangle East Magazine’s website at http://www.triangleeastmagazine.com/readers-choice-awards/announcing-2010-garner-clayton-readers-choice-awards-winners.

Nominating is currently under way for the second phase of awards, which honor reader favorites in Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon. Nominating is done via the Triangle East Magazine website at www.TriangleEastMagazine.com.

Triangle East is the leading lifestyle magazine for Eastern Wake and Johnston counties. It’s published quarterly by S&A Cherokee, and is available by subscription or at retail locations across the area. More information is available online at http://www.TriangleEastMagazine.com/ or by calling 919-674-6020.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is pleased to announce that the restaurant brand has brought back a former tradition of offering complimentary coffee to its in-store diners.

Many years ago, it was a staple to receive free coffee while dining in at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®. Richard Averitte, Marketing Director, for the restaurant brand notes, “We had forgotten just how much people enjoyed this extra little “perk” of dining with us.” He adds that customers can “again expect to be offered a piping hot cup of coffee after your meal by our co-workers”.

The renewed complimentary service not only encourages customers to “stay a while” and enjoy a conversation with their fellow diners after their meal, but also sends departing customers on their way with a fresh “cup of hospitality” (in the form of coffee) for their travels.

Complimentary coffee is immediately available at all North Carolina Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® locations for in-store diners.

Nashville and Rocky Mount locations served bar-b-q in support of Happy Tails for the no-kill organization
(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 23, 2010 ) (Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is happy to announce that the North Carolina-based restaurant brand hosted two fundraiser events on Monday, April 19th, 2010 in support of the Edgecombe-Nash Humane Society as they raise money to build their new local no-kill shelter.

The events was held from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at the Nashville location (1169 Eastern Avenue) and Rocky Mount location (670 N. Wesleyan Boulevard) and will include volunteers from the Edgecombe-Nash Humane Society on site with more information about the organization and its efforts to help animals in the area, as well as how members of the public can get involved and continue their support.

“We have just purchased land and are now moving forward to build a shelter, expandable in size, that will at first hold 20 dogs and 12 cats,” says Nancy Sasser, treasurer for the organization. “These fundraisers will go a long way in helping us to continue to provide help for any animal that needs it in our area. We generally work with dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, but have also sheltered horses, rabbits, birds, and other animals.”

The no-kill shelter will not only provide a safe indoor harbor for animals in need, but the dog area will also include outside play areas for each kennel and a larger outdoor run area – a life-enhancing benefit for the animals who are cared for as long as it takes to place them in a loving forever home.

“The Edgecombe-Nash Humane Society is an organization that we are proud to have in our community”, notes Richard Averitte, Marketing Director for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “We have always been grateful to serve and we appreciate the opportunity to be able to help them continue doing the important work they do for the animals in our area.”

To learn more about the Edgecombe-Nash Humane Society or to get involved, please contact the organization by calling the their answering service at 252-446-1669 or by mail at PO Box 1783, Rocky Mount, NC 27802. Information can be found online at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC248.html or by emailing EdgecombeNashHumaneSociety@yahoo.com.

About Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has a 40-year history serving the finest fried chicken and Eastern-North-Carolina-style Bar-B-Q, made fresh daily from family recipes and served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has over 30 locations in North Carolina as well as an online store where BBQ can be ordered and shipped anywhere in the United States. Visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/ for more information or call 919-852-1742.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is proud to announce that the North Carolina-based restaurant brand was once again able to support local St. Baldrick’s team, the Bald Entrepreneurs, this year in their efforts to raise money for research focused on eliminating childhood cancers.

The team at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® have always known that “it’s just not a tailgate without Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q”, and the Bald Entrepreneurs have proved that the same goes for an “After-Shave” Party. Smithfield’s provided fresh bar-b-q, delicious side items, and crowd favorites – hush puppies and sweet tea – for the team’s post-shave party that continued raising funds even after the day’s earlier shave event. Fundraisers shaved their heads at The Hibernian’s annual fundraiser event on Saturday, February 27^th, 2010. Smithfield’s provided goodie bags for the 60 team members who shaved their heads that included gift certificates, shirts, and koozies.

“Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is happy to be part of this most worthy cause. As we are grateful to serve our customers, we are also grateful to serve our community”, says Richard Averitte, Marketing Director for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “The Bald Entrepreneurs team provides a tremendous amount of support to the St. Baldrick’s program and we are happy to be a part of that effort.”

The Bald Entrepreneurs surpassed their fundraising goal of $35,000 and are now on their way to the $39,000 mark. To find out more or to donate to the Bald Entrepreneurs team, visit their official team page at http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/baldentrepreneurs. Chris Wright, founder of the Bald Entrepreneurs team, noted some strong statistics for supporting the group and its participation the in St. Baldrick’s program. Between 2005 and 2009, St. Baldrick’s has issued nearly $42 million in research grants ($12 million in 2009 alone) and funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any other organization, except the U.S. government. The Bald Entrepreneurs team made up approximately 11% of the shaves at the local event yet captured nearly 20% of all donations for the Hibernian Restaurant & Pub.

According to the St. Baldrick’s website, on March 17, 2000, reinsurance executives Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell turned their industry’s St. Patrick’s Day party into a benefit for kids with cancer. The three planned to raise “$17,000 on the 17th,” recruiting 17 colleagues to raise $1,000 each to be shorn. Instead, the first St. Baldrick’s event raised over $104,000! Volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer and family and friends give generously – worldwide.  The St. Baldrick’s Foundation uses the donations to fund more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the United States Government.

About Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has a 40-year history serving the finest fried chicken and Eastern-North-Carolina-style Bar-B-Q, made fresh daily from family recipes and served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has over 30 locations in North Carolina as well as an online store where BBQ can be ordered and shipped anywhere in the United States. Visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/ for more information or call 919-852-1742.

Contact: Richard Averitte, Marketing Director – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Phone:     919-852-1722         Fax: 919-852-5268
Email:      RAveritte@SCNBNC.com
Web:       http://www.SCNBNC.com
Mail:       P.O. Box 979 – Cary, NC 27512

Every team member at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q takes pride in that we are able to be positive stewards in our local communities. As such, we are pleased to be able to recommend members from the NCSU MIE 411 team and have provided their contact information and resumes below.

Randall Barrier
randallbarrier@gmail.com
Resume

Bill Edwards
bill.edwards30@gmail.com
Resume

Adam Price
Price685@earthlink.net

Jim Crawford
jimcrawford9809@yahoo.com
Resume

Would you like to view the presentation that the team made to decision-makers at SCNB? Click here to visit the presentation hosted on Google Docs and then click “Start Presentation”!

Press release-

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® Partners with NCSU Students to Improve Online Ordering Process

Real world experience and connections benefits students and the local business willing to thinking outside of the typical chain of command

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® (SCNB) is pleased to announce that thanks to the partnership between the North Carolina-based restaurant brand and North Carolina State University’s College of Management MIE 411 – Managing the Growth Venture course, the online sales and ordering process has been streamlined to produce a more customer-centric process.

During the Fall 2009 college semester, a group of students from Professor Lewis Sheats’ MIE 411 course were charged with the daunting task of streamlining the online business model for the restaurant brand – incorporating such tools already in use, like social media and online ordering capabilities, but also auditing shipping and processing models that were not effectively yielding strong profit margins for the restaurant’s shipped bar-b-q. The group presented a final presentation to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q and the company quickly began work on applying the recommendations.

Jim Crawford, NCSU Class of 2010 student and group leader, noted that “[the group] found it valuable that SCNB believes and focuses on the customer being KING. In that regard, it made our project more definitive to zero-in on research, functionalities, strategies, operational efficiencies, and marketing, which on-end enhances the complete customer experience online.” The opportunities didn’t end with being able to partner with a customer-focused brand for the group though, “what made our team project so unique was the opportunity to work on a real growth venture within an entrepreneurial organization that has a long standing, unique, and rich North Carolina cultural history”, added Crawford.

“What makes the Entrepreneurship classes at NCSU so special is while students work on developing their entrepreneurial education they have the opportunity to work with real businesses in the community – identifying problems and creating real-life solutions,” says MIE 411 lecturer Lewis Sheats. “It is a great learning experience for them to see their work in action. We have several examples of students’ work being implemented and making a real impact on the participating companies, SCNB being one of the more recent ones. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

“Selling our signature product online is a new venture for our company and like any new venture, you work through the kinks. The students from the College of Management helped us smooth out these issues”, concluded Richard Averitte, Marketing Director for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “Their work exceeded our expectations and we are very pleased with the results.”

For more information about the NCSU College of Management’s Entrepreneurship undergraduate program, please visit http://mgt.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/current/BusMgt_undergrad/entrepreneurship.php, or call the College directly at 919-515-5565. For more information about Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®, please visit http://www.SCNBNC.com or call 919-852-1742.

________________________________________

About Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has a 40-year history serving the finest fried chicken and Eastern-North-Carolina-style Bar-B-Q, made fresh daily from family recipes and served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has over 30 locations in North Carolina as well as an online store where BBQ can be ordered and shipped anywhere in the United States. Visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/ for more information or call 919-852-1742.

(Cary, NC) – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® is proud to announce that Richard Averitte, Marketing Director, was presented with a token of appreciation by Operations Specialist and Rescue Swimmer, Jamie Franks, of the United State Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit Three, on Thursday, December 17^th, 2009.

Franks’s unit, stationed out of San Diego, CA, was deployed to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Franks became a fan on the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q® Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/scnbnc) and wrote on the page’s wall that he grew up in Smithfield, North Carolina and that “eating at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N BBQ is always a MANDATORY event when I’m at home on leave”.

The small, personal connection grew into something much bigger for the restaurant over the next few months. With the support of its stores and the local community, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q®’s Freedom Week was a great success, encouraging diners to contribute items to be shipped to troops serving overseas, where Franks’s unit was serving. The program even garnered the support of UNC basketball coach, Roy Williams. (http://scnbnc.com/blog/?p=688) 

Just in time for the holidays, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q was able to welcome Franks home with a special lunch for the specialist and his family at the Garner, NC location at Highways 40 and 42, on Thursday, December 17^th, 2009. At the lunch, Franks presented Averitte with a commemorative oar, completed with hand-braided “dressings” and coins. It will be prominently displayed at the Garner location.

“It was an honor to finally meet Jamie. The token of appreciation from his unit was totally unexpected and touching”, says Averitte.  

About Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has a 40-year history serving the finest fried chicken and Eastern-North-Carolina-style Bar-B-Q, made fresh daily from family recipes and served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has over 30 locations in North Carolina as well as an online store where BBQ can be ordered and shipped anywhere in the United States. Visit http://www.SCNBNC.com/ for more information or call 919-852-1742.